Daily Life in the 70s
Chapter 94 Trying the Waters

Chapter 94: Chapter 94 Trying the Waters

Since the makeup trial had been successful yesterday and the host was satisfied, there was no need for major changes today. All that was required was to add a hairstyle to the original makeup.

The room was crowded with girls shoving into a human wall, encircling Minmin and Gong Chenglan at the center. Watching the girl before them intently flick her fingers as if she was unlocking a new world right before their eyes.

Curious questions poured in like a stream. For a while, the room buzzed with chatter, and a few with quick tempers and loud voices dominated the conversation, nearly lifting the roof off.

Stimulated by the noise, Minmin’s scalp tingled. She said, "How about I do this while explaining to you guys? You can ask me questions quietly, and I’ll answer what I know, okay?"

Gong Chenglan simply bellowed out, "This racket is giving me a headache, whoever yells again, please leave."

Of course, her latter statement was said in jest, so everyone replied with laughter and considerately lowered their voices.

The girls had all sorts of bizarre questions.

Like: Can you really paint your eyes like that? Won’t it hurt them? If you apply this, can you go a few days without washing your face? What if you sweat? Wouldn’t it be better for me to earn a few more work points instead, don’t you think? Whether it looks good or not, isn’t it all the same once the lights are out and you’re in bed? What do you guys think?

Minmin knew that many people were still struggling with basic needs. As they said, who would care about looks when their stomachs aren’t even full yet? Despite the enthusiastic crowd in the room, the majority were just there out of curiosity and gossip. After all, there was a lack of entertainment at the time. A four-wheeled car passing through the village could draw the whole family out for a gawk, and such experiences and topics could be discussed for over half a month.

Minmin didn’t mind; she was mainly testing the waters.

A few girls were eager to try, and even boldly asked for a trial. Minmin nodded her approval and with a clean bamboo sliver, she scooped some lipstick onto their lips, apologizing, "I don’t have a good lip brush, so you’ll need to use your fingers to spread it evenly."

The girl who got to try it had no complaints and was eager to smear it on in front of the mirror.

Then, she showed everyone, and they all praised how pretty it looked. Delighted, the girl turned to Minmin and asked, "Miss Yang, where did you buy this? Where can I get it? How much is it? Can I try that lipstick again?"

Gong Chenglan, rotating her eyes, jumped in before Minmin could respond, "This was brought to her by someone else. We don’t have it in the county yet. We need to ask around to know more. Here’s the deal, I’m heading to the county soon, and I’ll inquire for you. Once I have news, I’ll bring it back for you."

After speaking, she gave Minmin a look to continue the conversation later.

Minmin thought about it and nodded, continuing to apply the lipstick on the girl. "We only need a little of this, and it can even be used as rouge. Do you still like the color? I only have this shade for now, but if I’m capable later, I’ll get some others."

The excited girl sat upright, not daring to blink as Minmin helped her apply the makeup.

Finally, she said, "Yang, could I ask someone to bring some back for me too? If the price isn’t too high, I’d like to have both."

Minmin glanced at Gong Chenglan, leaving it to her to smoothen the pretext.

She was now coming to terms with what Gong Chenglan had in mind. If Gong Chenglan could open that door, Minmin would be pleased to see it happen.

Gong Chenglan caught her eye and quickly said, "I’m familiar with her, so you can ask me too. I’ll note it down for you. If it’s possible, I’ll send you a message, alright? It won’t be very expensive, certainly cheaper than buying a bottle of Hari Oil."

The girl lit up with a sure promise and giggled as she leaned in close to Minmin to ask about the uses of these products.

A few others, seeing her interest, placed their orders too.

However, Minmin felt a bit guilty as she gave each of the five who preordered a Tin Box of Tiger Balm of lip balm or lipstick. These small boxes were originally brought to give to Gong Chenglan as gifts, but now they were put to good use.

When only Gong Chenglan and Minmin were left in the room, Gong Chenglan explained her plan: "Minmin, do you think this will work? I’m about to start my job at the counter, and since your product is so good, why not sell it there? We could make some money from it."

Gong Chenglan’s eyes sparkled as she said this, pulling Minmin to sit on the edge of the bed, eagerly adding, "When the time comes, we can sell it like slices of cut cake, letting them bring their own containers."

Minmin was at her wit’s end, even considering loose sales.

"Is it even possible to sell it there, won’t you be reported for speculation and profiteering?" She was quite worried and skeptical about this.

Gong Chenglan was very confident about this matter but still lowered her voice a bit, "No problem with that. I’ll sort it out with the higher-ups. I’ll start selling and see how it goes, the pastry sellers do it too."

Gong Chenglan saw that Minmin was still quite skeptical and decided to lay it all out, "The goods in the store, aside from what’s allocated from the grain procurement stations, also come from our own purchases. As long as it’s fine with the higher-ups, it won’t be an issue for us."

Minmin suddenly understood, although she wondered how such an unlicensed product could ever enter the market. However, seeing Gong Chenglan’s confidence, she didn’t want to pour cold water on her plan. It was worth giving it a try, wasn’t it?

But there was the issue of packaging. She discussed with Gong Chenglan, "Shall we see if we can get some craftsmen to make some boxes? Those loose sales are very unsanitary."

Gong Chenglan laughed, "Pei Min, let’s try and see first. If it doesn’t work, it won’t be a huge loss."

The two had differing views.

Gong Chenglan sighed and finally said frankly, "Pei Min, since this product doesn’t come from a factory, it’s uncertain whether the market will accept it. I was thinking, if it doesn’t work out at the market, I could try with the workers."

Minmin laughed at herself. She had been too naive, understanding that this was Gong Chenglan’s plan all along, as heading to the store was definitely not feasible. But it might work for direct consumption.

The policy had not yet been announced, and all she needed to do was wait.

Minmin didn’t bother with her; she didn’t need to figure out the sales channels and would only focus on production. If Gong Chenglan could manage in the future, Minmin wouldn’t get involved.

After talking for a while and determining the details, Gong Chenglan, the one with the audacious plans, started up this venture.

Minmin was impressed.

But she only intended to make simple lipsticks and lip balms. She had no plans to release other products in this manner.

Then Gong Chenglan got married, and Minmin didn’t follow her but instead returned to the Shen family.

It was Yiguang who came to pick her up and asked about her recent affairs.

Minmin gave him a brief explanation, as she was also interested to hear Yiguang’s opinion.

Yiguang raised an eyebrow in surprise after hearing everything.